Five-Point Inspection: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec

Performance Backs up the Numbers

On the road the GL350 performs as advertised, easily meeting the fuel economy estimates of 22 mpg combined, even in city driving and stop-and-go traffic. On the highway and settled into its seventh gear, it’s quiet and refined.

Much of that smoothness can be attributed to the airmatic suspension setup. Ride-height can be adjusted on the go, and there’s even an adjustable suspension which includes a comfort mode, which lets the GL to wallow smoothly over imperfections on the road. There’s also a tensed up sport mode which, when paired with the standard paddle shifters, gives the GL350 an extra sense of purpose.